Feelings
 It is commonly assumed that learning is predominantly concerned with the intellect and with cognitive processes, and that feelings are of relatively minor importance. However, this is quite erroneous, as the impetus to engage in and persist with any learning activity comes from one's feelings. And success in any learning activity rests crucially on two pillars of feeling: how you feel about yourself (self-esteem) and how you feel about the subjects you are studying (motivation). If either of these is deficient then the learning is likely to be seriously impoverished.
Some further points about feelings:
- In terms of the holistic learning model of John Heron, feeling (or affect) is the fundamental mode of our psychological being. And so all our learning is grounded in feeling, and the other three modes of our being, imaginal, conceptual and practical, are all nourished and supported by feeling.
- In personality theory Carl Jung contrasted thinking (T) types with feeling (F) types. T types make their choices on an impersonal basis, while F types make their choices on a personal basis. In terms of occupations, for example, research scientists and lawyers tend to be T types; creative writers and counsellors tend to be F types. See Personality for further information.
- The Society for Effective Affective Learning (SEAL) is an organisation which aims to promote a better balance in learning between cognitive and affective approaches. In a sense, it is seeking the best from both the T and F types of Carl Jung, while historically education has tended to be thinking-orientated.
- In the past, the intelligence quotient (IQ) has been the primary factor in comparing people's mental capabilities. Now, with a recognition of the crucial importance of feelings, there is much more attention to 'emotional competence' and 'emotional intelligence' (EI).
Recommendations
Much more attention needs to be given, both personally and organisationally, to the crucial importance of the feeling dimension in all aspects of life and learning. See self-esteem and motivation for other relevant comments.
Further Information
For further information on feelings and emotional intelligence see:
- All About Emotional Intelligence from Six Seconds
Emotional Intelligence Directory
Hello. How are you? by Peter Kingston
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